Understanding Weight Stigma

We recognize that

Individuals affected by overweight and obesity face a pervasive form of social stigma based on the typically unproven assumption that their body weight derives primarily from a lack self-discipline and personal responsibility.
Such portrayal is inconsistent with current scientific evidence demonstrating that body-weight regulation is not entirely under volitional control, and that biological, genetic, and environmental factors critically contribute to obesity.
Weight bias and stigma can result in discrimination, and undermine human rights, social rights, and the health of afflicted individuals.
Weight stigma and discrimination cannot be tolerated in modern societies.

We condemn

The use of stigmatizing language, images, attitudes, policies, and weight-based discrimination, wherever they occur.

We pledge

To treat individuals with overweight and obesity with dignity and respect.
To refrain from using stereotypical language, images, and narratives that unfairly and inaccurately depict individuals with overweight and obesity as lazy, gluttonous, and lacking willpower or self-discipline.
To encourage and support educational initiatives aimed at eradicating weight bias through dissemination of current knowledge of obesity and body-weight regulation.
To encourage and support initiatives aimed at preventing weight discrimination in the workplace, education, and healthcare settings.